//------------------------------// // The Moon’s nightmare ends alas // Story: The collapse of the universe // by KRissCHu573 //------------------------------// The collapse of the universe Chapter 7: The Moon’s nightmare ends alas Jim, Matt and Heimerdinger were checking the security tape of the lab, while the rest of the champions, mainly Leona and Pantheon, were getting some back-to-back. “Damn, why is Heimer bothering with those guys?” Ezreal snorted. “You know him, when he hears about artifacts, energy sources, or anything with potential science involved, he goes berserk about it.” Blitzcrank said lightly, and flinched his hand in a gesture. “I just wish that smart ass would finally get us home.” The Prodigal explorer sighted smugly. In a moment of silence, Caitlin hit him in the back of the head with the handle of her gun. He fell on the ground for a sec, quickly got up and shouted. “What the bloody hell?!” “You asked for it.” The sniper replied calmly. Ez was about to rage some more but the Artisan of war shut him up. “Simmer down blondy! Spoiled brats like you annoy me the most.” “What did you call me? You wanna go tough guy? That tin can you’re in won’t help you one bit!” Pantheon got up and said grimly. “They say you mages have blue blood. Let’s see if that pretty locks of yours turns orange, or green.” While they were killing each other with words and looks, Blitzcrank had both his hands behind their backs. With a swift move he pushed them against into one another and shouted. “NOW KISS!” After he smashed them into each other Pantheon coldly stared at him, and Ezreal dropped on the ground like a bag of hammers, barely managing to utter. “Ow…my face…” The golem flinched his head to the side, and said with surprise in his tone. “Damn, that shell of yours is hard.” The next moment, with a single punch, Pantheon had him flat on the ground. Not paying attention to that, the three men and the yordle were busy. “So what exactly happened Stetman?” Raynor asked. “I don’t know sir. Everything was going as per usual. All of a sudden I fell asleep, and when I woke up, the artifacts were gone.” The scientist replied. “I beg your pardon, but what exactly are these artifacts?” Heimerdinger asked. The geeky man fixed his glasses, and brought up a clipboard. “Technically they are of Xel’Naga origin. They concentrate vast amounts of energy, which reacts differently to specific DNA strains. It managed to incinerate several quadrillion tons of zerg biomass, and deinfested, partially, a class 12 psyonic cluster being.” “Right…Now Stetman, would you be kind enough to repeat that, only slower, and in understandable words.” The commander sighted. “You need a simpler explanation than that?” The Revered inventor asked with surprise. “Ugh, how disappointing. Apparently geniuses are rare even among the stars.” “True that.” Stetman agreed, before continuing. “I guess I should explain what are Xel’Naga and zerg are.” “No need. I have already been schooled about them.” Heimer said lightly. The three gave him surprised stares. “Where was that exactly?” Horner asked. “Those protoss that brought us. We got stranded on a planet on which they had discovered the ruins of a Xel’Naga temple. The work was quite a bit so they allowed me access to their lowest tiers of data, and I helped them out with the work.” He explained. “And you managed to comprehend the knowledge from protoss archives?” The geeky man asked. Then he kneeled before the yordle and said. “Sir you are my hero!” “Alright we got it.” Matt announced when the tape from the lab was on. On it Stetman was writing something down on his clipboard. All of a sudden he fell asleep. Then two protoss figures appeared. “Dark templars.” Jim noted. ‘We need to get this aboard the Executor’s ship.’ One of them said. Then they removed the artifacts from their container, cloaked with them and disappeared. Then Stetman awoke, and panicked at the sight of the missing cargo. “So… Selendis made quite the uneven trade off.” Matt said. “Quite peculiar indeed.” Heimer agreed with the captain. The commander leaned back in his armchair and sighted. “God only knows what she would use that thing for.” “Well gentlemen, I believe this is goodbye.” The Revered inventor said. Then he called the chosen of the sun, not paying attention to the fallen on the floor Ezreal. “Leona, bring out the rune, we’re going home.” The six gathered, and the Prodigal explorer infused the stone with his magic. It glew, and in a while… it just puffed some smoke. “What the-?” Ez nearly had a heart attack, and tried again, and again, and again… and again, with no result. Everyone on the bridge, the other champions included, was looking weirdly at him. “I know nothing of magic, but… is that supposed to happen?” Stetman asked. Heimerdinger took out some sort of magnifying glass out of his pocket, looked at the rune, and then at the star map on the holodeck in front of them. “Hmm, interesting.” “What is it?” Blitz wondered. “Apparently in this sector of the galaxy, the mana flow is too low, almost non-existent. We may still use magic, but the rune is cut off from the flow. We’ll need another type of energy in order to reconnect it, and then infuse it with magic. Until then we’re stuck here.” He explained. “NOOOOO…!” Ezreal shouted at the ceiling, while he was on his knees, with hands in the air. “What kind of energy will you need? We could lend you some power from our generators.” Raynor offered. “No, we will need psyonic energy.” “Sir, what about the jorium crystals?” Matt suggested. “Yeah. Stetman give him that piece you have.” When he got it, Heimer looked at it with his magnifying glass. “Yes, it has similar properties, but it won’t do. We need pure psyonic energy.” In a few moments Swann appeared on coms. “Cowboy ya here?” He asked. “Yeah Swann. You and Tosh done looting our new ships yet?” Jim answered. “No, the loot is still going, but I found something that might intrigue you.” “What have you got for me?” “I’m sending it right now.” [Uploading Dominion planetary archives now.] The adjutant said with her robotic voice. What they witnessed was the archive about a special facility. The man who spoke throughout it was filming the place. ‘The specimens are growing well. There have been no accidents, no change in behavior. Currently the creatures are dormant, but we don’t know if the forced hibernation will continue when they are out of the tanks, because soon they will be too large for the current containers.’ As he said the last part, the camera showed an image, which made the terrans’ blood freeze. “It can’t be…” Raynor said. “It’s another hybrid production facility.” Matt confirmed his fears. The operator entered the sector, where they held the other specimens. ‘We think there might be some issues in the genetic manipulation. Both the protoss and the zerg have grown immune to the drugs we use to keep them unconscious, and their aggressive behavior will produce chemicals, which may destabilize future DNA combinations.’ The scientist explained as he passed by a cage, full of protoss, both male and female, who were ramming themselves into the glass wall, that kept them contained. The man ended the tape. ‘This has been log 341. Current date – 13th of May, year 2514. Current time – 15:02 standart cosmic time. End of log.’ “Just perfect!” Raynor yelled. “Last time it was an asteroid, where they barely managed to stabilize one hybrid, but now it’s an entire planet, and they’ve managed to make hundreds of those bastards.” Was his continuation. “That’s not the worst part of it cowboy.” Swann’s words made chills of fear run up his spine. [Decripting security overwrite controls completed. Loading file.] The beginning scene was of flames and destruction. Several marines stopped in front of the fallen camera and opened fire. Four zerglings attacked them and killed one. A moment after two zealots came in, shot and sliced to pieces both the marines and the zergilings. In two minutes of no activity, someone picked up the camera. From what the person said, another scientist, it seemed the device was also a transmitter. ‘This is Dr. Howard. The date is the 14th of May, year 2514. Current time 12:51 standart cosmic time. Overnight, one of the hybrid destroyers awoke from hibernation, and began to tear down the facility, waking the other hybrids.’ Something exploded next to him. ‘Somehow the specimens placed the zerg under their control. Two thirds of the protoss population raided the armories for their and our weapons, holed up in the empty nuclear vault, killing any terran on sight.’ Another explosion happened nearby. 'The other 500 protoss were either killed or corrupted by the hybrid. The zerg began infesting the terrans in the facility. The planet is now incredibly hostile. Major danger of class 17! I repeat, class 17! To every Dominion military unit out there, we need immediate assistance. If we have not survived until you arrive, destroy the planet!’ A loud noise was heard. ‘What was that? OH god no! NO! NOOO—‘ He screamed as two hydralisks came from around the corner, where he had hidden himself. The screen went blank and only showed noise. [End of transmission.] The adjutant said. “Fuck!” Raynor was pissed. “Not only there are so many hybrids, but they are also on the loose.” Matt sighted. “Not just that, but we have a thousand protoss trapped there.” Jim filled in with a high angry tone. “What do you want us to do boss?” Swann asked. “That’s why this fleet was so big. They were headed there, not after us. We just happened by on them.” Matt reasoned. The commander thought about it for a moment, then began to give orders. “Alright! Matt, try to contact any protoss ships in the vicinity. We will need help, and those trapped on the planet, will probably think of us as the Dominion. They need to be found by their own people, so we can avoid as much hostility as possible from them. Stetman, gather all of your data on protoss, zerg and hybrids, meet up with the boys down at the armory, and make whatever you can that can be of use. Tosh I know you’ve been listening this whole time, show yourself.” The monitor on which was Swann, split in two. The engineer was on one side, and the specter leader appeared on the other. “What can I do for you brotha?” Tosh asked. “I need you to speed up the loot of the ships. If the Dominion were headed there in the first place, they must have brought toys, proper for the occasion.” Was the reply. The assassin nodded in agreement and went off coms. Then Raynor turned to the champions. “Sorry guys, but it seems we’re parting ways. We’ll drop you off on a planet with supplies and a transmitter. With a little luck you may come across protoss who can help you.” “You want us to leave? No dice hot pants. You aren’t getting rid of us so easily.” Blitzcrank said with a gesture of his hand. “You took us in, six filthy with goodness knows what aliens, with such hospitality, and helped us out. It would be most impolite to leave you, when we can help you.” Heimerdinger said as he fixed his glasses. “And you guys are okay with this?” Ratnor asked the rest. “It’s my job to protect this smart ass here, and so I will.” Caitlin said with a smile on her face. Ezreal sighted and spoke. “Oh well, we’re pretty much stuck here forever, let’s at least make it awesome!” “We need the help of those protoss, might as well look good in their eyes.” Leona sighted as well. Pantheon stepped up to the commander, put a hand on his shoulder, and spoke. “Jim, you showed me once again the thrill of battle. I usually don’t acknowledge command, but I will be honored to serve under yours. And from what I heard, this battle will be far more glorious than any, that will ever be held on my world. For that reason alone, you can be certain that you will find my shield and spear, spilling blood under your banner!” Even if it was hidden by his helmet, it was obvious Pantheon had put on a tough, reassuring smile. Raynor chuckled and said. “Well in that case…Swann, come aboard. We’ve got four rookies here, that need upgrading." -- “Wait a minute. I agreed to find and bring back the two, not fight in a civil war.” Shaco snorted. “No one demanded for your assistance in the matter. Me and Annie will help the ponies, on the other hand you can make yourself useful, and find the rune.” Fiddlesticks said with annoyance in his tone. “Yeah, if you’re so scared of the stuff we got deal with, go flying home.” Rainbow Dash mocked the jester. The demonic pegasus was about to leap and slice her throat, but stopped the second, Fiddle laid eyes on him. Then AJ kicked the colorful daredevil’s back leg, gave her a disapproving look and spoke. “Listen ya’ll. Fiddle we’re mighty thankful, that you wanna help us, but if you gots to go, then do so. We’ll manage it somehow.” Her last words were followed by a warm smile. “Nonsense!” He quickly replied. "You met two strange beings, aliens to your world, whose very existence opposes everything you know, and accepted us as friends. The least we can do is help you defend your world. I mean, what are friends for, right?” To that monologue Annie nodded in agreement, with a big smile, coloring her face. “That’s so generous of you Mr. Sticks.” (pun totally intended) Rarity sniffed, before letting out some tears of joy. “Speaking of friends…” He said and turned to his fellow champions. “Can I count on you?” After a few moments of processing, Nocturne sighted. “Ugh, fine. But you are so gonna owe me!” Next the scarecrow turned cast his gaze onto the Demon jester. “Really Shaco? I thought you’d be the first one to step in.” “And why is that?” “Don’t you see? This isn’t the institute. You are not controlled. You can kill all for pleasure, and not a teeny-tiny drop of duty. Not to mention you can go as far away as insanely possible…and beyond.” The next moment Shaco spoke slowly with a pleased tone. “Oh you’re good! You are so good at getting homicidal maniacs into helping you with your bidding!” And shook his hoof. Then the Harbinger of doom turned to the other three. “Come on. This guy agreed, and you won’t? Rengar at the very least you’ll get to merc Kha’Zix. And you two owe me your damn immortal lives. At least I am not making you do anything boring. We’re gonna be here for a while, might as well do make so worth out of it.” After that monologue, all were officially up for the task. The three mares beside them were feeling pretty well, and to harden those feelings, Fiddle gave them a reassuring wink. While the nice situation was taking place, the sky darkened. When they looked up, they saw a giant swarm of changelings, flying straight for them. Shaco split in two, as Fiddlesticks, Annie and Nocturne engaged by throwing Dark wind, a fireball and a Duskbringer at their attackers. Ten fell instantly, but the others dropped down like hail on top of the ponies and the champions. The three mares fought as best as they could, pushing back some changelings, while the others massacred the rest. Their weapons tasted blood. Six jumped on Hecarim’s back. He threw half of them off, and splated them with his front hooves. But there were too many. In two minutes, even after killing hundreds of changelings, all of them were pinned, and held down to the ground. When things quieted down a bit, Chrysalis stepped forward, towards Fiddlesticks. The scarecrow tried his best to break free, but with no effect. Her eyes and horn began to glow. She reached out her hoof and put it in his chest. He shouted in pain. When she pulled it out, she had grabbed a spirit crow, which was struggling to break free. The queen of the changelings took a deep breath, and began to infuse it with magic, until it exploded, and only an amulet, with a purple-dark gemstone remained in her hoof. That very moment, using his magic, Mordekaiser tore off pieces of his armor, and they began to spin around him, going through the bodies of the changelings, leaving them dead on the ground. He ran towards the queen, swinging his mace in a magic grip, ramming through walls of flesh. Shaco teleported from the pin, and began to cut the creatures down. Just before Mord could reach Chrysalis, she flew into the air and yelled to her subjects. “We’ve got the necklace, retreat!” In seconds everypony was free, and the swarm was on the run. Annie galloped to her uncle, who was still groaning in pain. She helped him sit, as all the rest gathered around them. “What’n tarnation was that all about?” Applejack asked confusedly. “They took some kind of necklace.” Nocturne remarked, and turned to Fiddlesticks with a sort of an angry look. “What was that item?” After the scarecrow caught his breath, he replied. “One night I went on a walk in the forest, and I came across some sort of castle ruins.” “The old castle of the two sisters.” Rarity said. “That one.” Fiddle continued. “All of a sudden I felt a strong magical presence – the necklace. I discovered it could affect the dreams of others, but its bearer, and cause them nightmares. I found it on the neck of a statue, that looked a lot like the princesses. Weird thing is, when I got close to it, someone spoke to me in my mind, and wanted me to bring it to him.” “Was it that nasty Chrysalis?” Rainbow Dash asked. “No, it was some guy.” “Maybe it was the one who sent her?” Annie said gullibly. “Ah don’t think so. She is the queen of an entire species, and she managed to overpower Celestia herself. Ah don’t think that someone can order her—Oh sweet Celestia, it can’t be.” Applejack had a terrified expression. “What is it?” Rengar asked. “Only one being can boss her around. We need to report to the Princes that Discord might be involved in this.” She replied. “Wait a minute Applejack.” Rarity interrupted. “Won’t it be better if just Rainbow Dash went to inform Celestia? Fiddlesticks is hurt, me you and Annie should stay to look after him.” “Yeah, I agree.” The scarecrow said and turned to the other champions. “You guys head for the forest and stop that changeling queen.” All of them nodded and rushed for the trees, and Rainbow Dash flew away to Canterlot. -- Discord was sitting in the throne room of the old ruins, and was enjoying a sandwich with a glass of chocolate milk. As he finished the glass and its contents, put between two slices of bread, Chrysalis’s changelings kicked the giant doors open, for her to pass. “I trust all went well?” He asked. “If by that you mean, loose more of my subjects to bring you some trinket, then so it did.” Her reply was filled with distain, and her face was bearing and angry frown, as she raised her hoof, on which the necklace was attached, “Perfect. Now give it to me.” “Not yet.” She pulled it back. “First, you will tell me what exactly, did my changelings die for.” “Ugh, fine.” Discord sighted and explained. “What you’re holding my dear is the Eye of the night. Before Luna fully turned to Nightmare Moon, she used this little gem to drain away the black magic from her, something like curing yourself with leeches, to clear your blood. Problem is, the more she had given to darkness, the more the item drained, not only the black magic, but her own as well. Now would you be kind enough to give it to me?” “No, I guess I am not. Changelings!” She yelled and the lot of her remaining subjects took up battle stances. A smug smile colored Chrysalis’s face. The spirit of chaos unleashed another, but deeper sight. “I really hoped we wouldn’t have to do this.” Then he snapped his fingers and a creature unburrowed before the queen. Its upper and lower jaw was split in two, and opened in four different directions. Each had a set of sharp teeth. A set of scythe like claws, grew from above its shoulders. The front half of the body was covered in bone armor. For a tail it had a thin agile limb, with a stinger a s a tip, and the back, bore two sets of insect like wings. Venom dripped from the fangs and the stinger. The thing that shocked her the most was the moment, when its bones began to move from inside the body, and the size and shape of the flesh changed, until Chrysalis stood against her exact copy. “Wha-wha-what is that?” She barely managed to stutter, as all the confidence she had build up to confront Discord, burned away. The spirit of chaos was more than happy to answer the question. “That, is the combination of zerg bioengineering and your changelings.” He snapped his fingers again, and lots more infested changelings, surrounded the hall. Then Discord spoke. “Try to keep as many of them alive as possible, but be sure that the tall one is breathing when you’re done. Now sick ’em boys.” The infested dove against their former comrades. Blood and body parts flew around. Chrysalis was bit, stung and hit on multiple occasions, until she fell on the ground, overwhelmed by poison and pain, and dropped the Eye of the night. As her vision began to blur, the ambush was over, and she saw how Discord slowly came close, picked up the necklace, flashed right next to her, and whispered in her ear. “You forgot the most important quality of your people my dear. All of you, to the very last one, you included, are expendable.” After those words everything went black, she was unconscious. The spirit of chaos stood up and turned to his infested. “Get the corpses and the survivors to the lair. We’ve got a message to send.” -- Celestia was speeding back and forth in her throne room. Luna tried her best to calm her as Klastanar stood beside them. “Sister you need to stop and think over your moves. The last thing you want is to fight Discord without your full strength.” “Don’t you worry about my strength little sister. But right now we need to find Twilight. Without the Elements, we don’t stand much of a chance against Discord.” Celestia replied. “I know but—“ Luna was interrupted by a portal, which opened in the middle of the hall. Anger quickly came over Celestia as the face from it spoke. “Hello there Cely.” “You…” She huffed and stomped the ground. “What have you done to Twilight Sparkle?!” “Wha? Me? Do something to your beloved protégé? You wound me Celestia.” He said while acting out something from a drama play. “I assure you she is fine…” The portal moved like a camera and stopped on Kha’Zix, who was holding the unconscious mare. When it came back to the spirit of chaos, he finished. “…for now.” As the image moved, the princes of the sun noticed the infested creatures around them. “What foul beings have you drawn to your bidding?” She asked. “Those are…the zerg.” Klastanar stepped in. “You couldn’t have taken over each creature one by one, where is the colony matriarch?” The protoss demanded. “Oh you mean her?” A being came in sight, and it made Celestia shiver. “Is that-?” She uttered. “Yes.” Discord answered loftily. “The Element of Kindness in the flesh.” He chuckled and continued. “However, they are not my only guests.” The portal focused on the shackled, with vines of flesh, queen of the changelings. At least, what seemed like her. Her right leg, along with the shoulder, was covered by purpleishly-brown bone, the lower body had scars, as if a beast had torn her with its claws, and her mouth was half was thansformed as those of the wolflings, which could be seen through the portal. “Magnificent, eh?” He asked. The two alicorns were stunned, but the protoss didn’t show even a flinch of emotion and calmly said. “You’re making a big mistake. When the swarm and the hybrid find their way to this world, you will have brought them a perfectly developed colony, which will excelerate your doom.” “I’ll take my chances. Now Cely…” He claped his hands. “…you’d better hurry up here. I’ve been thinking about making yself an infested unicorn.” He smirked and the portal disappeared. Celestia charged out the hall, followed by Klastanar. “Wait sister!” Luna yelled, when the gates smashed shut, trapping her inside. The princes of the sun turned back, and pushed as ahrd as she could to open them. “Luna! Are you okay?!” She yelled. “Yes, I’m fine, but there’s a magical seal around the hall.” The dark mare replied. They heard a loud laugh. “Oh you poor thing. Letting go of your big sister’s tail, and now you’re all alone.” “Discord!” Celestia shouted. She tried to blow the gates off, with a fire spell, but with no effect. Both she and the protoss began to ram in it, in order to open it. Discord continued to speak to the princes of the moon from everywhere. “Oh, lost and found, a talent most impressive, but buried down.” “Show yourself filth!” Luna shouted with the royal voice, as she spinned in place, trying to find the spirit of chaos. “You better watch your tongue lady.” This time the sound came from one direction. She turned around and saw him laying on the throne, where her sister usually stood. “You know you were always my favorite Luna, but you’ve become pretty boring, since you began to undermine your power.” He said, as he stood up, and walked towards her. “What in blazes are you talking about?” She was confused. “Oh don’t play dumb girl.” He flashed next to her. “I’m talking about your…nightmarish personality.” He pocked her on the forehead. Suddenly she felt dizzy. Discord began to flow around her and spoke. “Why must you keep it locked?” Luna put a hoof on her head. “Your sister fears your power.” He continued. All of a sudden she felt a splitting headache. “She knows you’re strong enough to keep the celestial bodies in balance, and rule alone, yet she does not let you progress.” The mare was on the ground with both hoofs on her head. “Why should everypony love her, and not even bother knowing you exist?” Was the last question he gave, before the princes of the moon spoke. “Yes, why should they?” She asked herself. When she opened her eyes, they were glowing brightly as the moon itself. She started a chuckle, which transcended into a maniacal laugh, as she ascended into the air with raised hoofs. When she was about five meters into the air, darkness surrounded her. When it disappeared, Luna had turned to Nightmare Moon. “The night…shall reign…eternal!” She shouted. “That’s a bit of an overstatement” Discord smirked, flashed behind her, and put on the Eye of the night on her neck. The mare immediately had a seasure, and energy reaped from her, and was then sucked in by the gem. In seconds Nightmare Moon was gone, and Luna’s steaming body fell on the ground. She was breathing heavily. Discord flashed next to her, got the necklace off her, and teleported away. When he was gone, Celestia managed to break in. At the sight of her hurt sister, she galloped towards her, yelling her name in tears. “Luna! Luna!” When she got to her, she turned her head, so they could look at each other. The dark mare , barely managed to say. “I’m…sorry, sis-ter.” And passed out. “No!” Celestia continued to cry. “Guards! Get a doctor here immediately!” She yelled, while she was watched by the protoss. “Princes!” Rainbow Dash rushed in, but Klastanar stopped her. “Save your words for later, now is not the time.” The blue pegasus looked worriedly at the Princes, who was still weeping over her sister.